NOW it’s October, more and more people are taking the plunge and turning their heating on.
But for those determined not to adjust their thermostats until the very last minute, there’s a £22 Dunelm buy that can really make a difference.
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People have been taking to the store’s website to rave about the Chenille Thermal Eyelet Door Curtain, which can be hung over a front or back door to keep draughts out.
“This thermally insulated curtain immediately stopped the cold spots from my hallway,” one person said of the curtain.
“It’s kept the heat in my flat with no extra expense and it has a lovely, soft finish. Wish I’d have done it much sooner!
“A real central heating saver!!”
Read more Heating stories
The curtain comes in five different colours, including cream and grey, and ranges in price from £22.50 to £55 depending on the size.
“Fantastic value all round,” another said.
“Not only do they look great and are easy to clean, they really do keep ALL the draught from the door out, they help to save on the bills.”
As a third commented: “Lovely material, deep colour and more importantly it’s made such a difference to keeping the warm in/cold out.”
“I bought 2 of these door curtains for my front door and they look lovely,” someone else said.
“Good quality, thickness, and colour, and they keep the heat in.”
“This curtain was perfect, fully lined and keeps the draught out,” another agreed.
“Great quality looks more expensive than it was would recommend.”
“The reason we purchased was to help in this cold weather,” someone else wrote.
“It has made such a difference, really kept the chill/cold out, and made it very cosy.”
As an added benefit, the curtains work well all year round, as they can help rooms stay cool when it’s hot outside.
“I have Dunelm thermal curtains on all of my windows and when they are closed, the temperature in the house soon rises,” one said.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE’S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
“Equally when it is very hot weather, if they are closed then the rooms stay lovely and cool.”
“A very smart and calm addition to our hall,” another said.
“Ideal even now (August) to keep the sun out, but bought to help retain heat in the winter.”
